Lahore to Auction Government School Rooftops for Basant 2026 Celebrations

Lahore is preparing to auction government school rooftops for Basant 2026, aiming to revive the city’s iconic kite festival in a controlled and safe manner. City authorities are taking steps to balance cultural celebration with public safety, crowd management, and urban planning. This initiative could redefine how Basant is celebrated, ensuring a secure environment while preserving Lahore’s cultural heritage.

Preparations for Basant 2026 are gaining momentum, with the District Education Authority proposing that selected government school rooftops be used as designated kite-flying zones. This plan provides organized event spaces instead of unsafe residential rooftops, reducing accidents and creating a safer atmosphere for participants. Officials confirm that the proposal is under review and awaiting final approval.

The auction of school rooftops is intended to create controlled zones for kite flying, minimize injuries, improve crowd supervision, generate revenue for public institutions, and support the revival of Lahore’s cultural identity. By regulating locations and safety standards, authorities aim to allow celebrations without compromising public order.

Multiple government departments are involved in implementing the plan, including the Lahore district administration, Walled City of Lahore Authority, Punjab Education Department, and local law enforcement agencies. Final approval will come from the Secretary of Education Punjab to ensure coordination and safety across all sites.

Selected rooftops include historically significant government schools primarily in the Walled City and inner Lahore. These locations offer wide, accessible rooftops with controlled entry points. Schools proposed for rooftop auctions include Government Victoria Girls High School, Government High School Delhi Gate, Government Boys & Girls High School Sheranwala Gate, Government School Mochi Gate, Government School Kabli Mahal, Government Girls High School Rang Mahal, Government Krishna High School Rang Mahal, Government Model High School Takiya Sadhwan, Government School Sheesha Moti Bazaar, Government High School CDGL Bhati Gate, Asifa Model School Sheranwala Gate, Government High School Chuna Mandi, and Government High School Gowalmandi.

Authorities are also considering four public holidays in early February 2026 to manage crowds, reduce traffic congestion, and provide a safer celebration across the city. If approved, these holidays would allow families and participants to enjoy Basant events with less strain on emergency services and public infrastructure.

Public safety is a central focus of the Basant 2026 plan. Past celebrations faced criticism due to unsafe practices and injuries. New regulations aim to reduce risks through banning chemical kite strings, limiting crowd entry, providing medical teams on standby, deploying police and rescue personnel, and installing CCTV monitoring at rooftop venues. Officials believe this modernized approach aligns with global standards for urban festival management.

Basant also carries economic and cultural significance for Lahore. A regulated festival is expected to boost local tourism, provide income for small vendors, revive traditional crafts, enhance the city’s global image, and generate additional funding for public schools. Properly managed events could make Basant an annual cultural highlight once again.

Public reaction has been largely positive, with cultural activists supporting the revival and safety experts endorsing regulated rooftops. Some citizens seek clarity on auction transparency, ticket pricing, noise control, and the safety of nearby residents. Authorities plan to share detailed public guidelines before the events.

Frequently asked questions include whether Basant will be officially allowed, which areas will host events, the selection of school rooftops, the status of chemical kite strings, and the potential public holidays during celebrations. Authorities confirm that final approval is pending, school rooftops are chosen for safety and space, chemical kite strings will remain banned, and a proposal for early February holidays is under review.

Auctioning school rooftops for Basant 2026 represents a shift toward safer and more organized cultural celebrations in Lahore. If implemented successfully, this approach could revive the city’s beloved kite festival responsibly while ensuring the safety of participants and residents.